The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R Is An Unrivaled Supreme Hot Hatch With More Power & Tech

[@tsenif]

OH SHIT! FINALLY a reviewer in the USA for the 2025 Golf R. Thank you!

[@ericcarson342]

I was about to comment the same thing. Had a feeling Redline Reviews would be one of the first.

[@rxytv]

but it's still a euro spec car lol

[@Jcrash1]

@@rxytv it is but he mentioned a euro spec package that we can get in the USA which has the titanium exhaust for the first time

[@dannydiazphoto]

Former 97 GTI owner, love seeing so much progress. It’s been a minute. :) VeeDub fan forever 😊👍🏾

[@habsfan170]

Thank you for saying that you get used to the sliders, the interior layout, etc and not overblowing the issue like most car reviewers!

[@davidbias2509]

Agreed. It took me all of a day to get used to the buttons on my gti. I actually think the sunroof slider is better than the usual buttons you have to hunt for in my other cars.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Friggin love this car! I’ve owned a 2016 and a 2019 R, both DSG.

[@krane15]

The HD matrix head light (optional) supplant the need for fog lights (aka, all-weather lights) since they are capable of adjusting some of the LEDs downward to the road directly in front of the car. They're also on the rear. BTW, I'm pretty sure that was the Akrapovič exhaust on this display model. Its a huge near 4 grand option.

[@DeanPark]

Hi. It’s a stunner! I pick my UK spec R up next week! The exhaust shown in your video is the titanium option. In the Uk this is an over £3000 option. The standard 4 pipe set up still sounds good enough for most owners. And cheaper to replace when required! Thanks for the video.

[@EmekaIheanacho-jc5td]

This car is so expensive in the UK!! It's about 50k USD here

[@CanadianMax]

That is the Akrapovic titanium exhaust.

[@Canweatleastry]

I have zero hate for any of the capacitive touch stuff after owning an 8 R for a few months. I would have liked buttons for the heated and cooled seats but there are shortcuts that work okay.

[@szafrankk]

Agree. I had to drive a Taigo with physical buttons for a week and was really eager to get back to my R :).

[@JimzOnDroid]

The slow walk intro gets me everytime😂

[@krane15]

The dynamic intro. It adds motion to an otherwise static intro.

[@arielgarcia9006]

That's the secret having 1.3 m followers.

[@sdjrinc.6921]

The 24 Golf R with the dct did 0-60 4.1 the 1/4 12.6 @110 and top speed 155mph

[@krane15]

Actually, 168mph limiter remove (an optional cost).

People need to keep in mind this is a euro spec. The US spec comes fully loaded which makes it easy for VW production logistics and keeps us from spec'ing an R with less features and less money unfortunately, unlike in Germany. The US spec will be almost exactly like the outgoing '22-24 model years we have here for the 8R (aside from the screen software updates, larger screen, revised R badges on sides, illuminated front light bar/logo, black edition option, and 13 HP bump w/ anti-lag tech in Special/Race mode now). It WILL have heated rear seats, likely only leather seats/door-cards again, power drivers seat (not passenger), IQ headlights will be watered down because of US headlight laws are outdated and wacky, the taillights will also not look nearly as cool as the euro ones (ShopDAP has a great video about this).

[@GethinJames]

I hope you're wrong about the rear tail lights. I'd be surprised if they have completely different ones for the US.

@@GethinJames me too but if you look at mk7/mk7.5/mk8 the euro taillights were always so much better as you can see in this video with OLED ones. The freaking wiring harness is completely different in US cars, so it's not just plug and play. They will just use the current/outgoing US MK8 wires/connectors with watered down taillights no different than 2022-2024 MY golf Rs in the US compared the euro. They won't upgrade the rear wiring harness just so we can have cool taillights sadly

[@TyeGTI]

He said this car doesn't have the Titanium Exhaust. He's wrong the car in the video has the optional Akrapovic Exhaust

[@CanadianMax]

Just posted the same... Obviously you know your VAG 😊

[@F16888C]

But will we get it in USA is the question.

[@CanadianMax]

​@@F16888C Apparently we will. We will get something called a Euro spec with cloth seats and Akra pipes. But sunroof delete

[@FrankWhite-t2v]

I love the sunroof option

[@bobsacamano1274]

Love the wheels. The upholstery and dash design/materials are rad too. Well done VW!

[@Alpha-e6j]

50K easy. Great review as usual. Hate the steering wheel buttons. Glad I'm not the only one.

[@cwclarkephotos9551]

That car is gorgeous

[@silentvalue]

A part of me feels the common idea that the sliders would drive me crazy, but having my mk7 for going on 8 years now, I really don't use my infotainment screen for much anyway. I could live with utilizing auto climate through a screen as long as I had physical buttons on the steering wheel for audio controls.

[@platterfoot]

Correction. The displayed model in the video is featuring the Akrapovic titanium exhaust

[@scottgraham6870]

35 for loaded GLI stick is a steal!

[@matthewdar886285]

My dream car.

[@TyeGTI]

Cloth needs to be an option in North America

[@closg9309]

It will be. Euro Spec option, cloth Seats, no sunroof, Akra exhaust.

[@Canweatleastry]

@@closg9309are you serious?? I would heavily consider trading my 8 for that

[@schepler2]

No.

[@5_flaco_5]

​@@closg9309there was a error in that, because this one has the akra exhaust and a sunroof

[@recursion.]

Tartan seat is goated

[@Jrjrjrjrjrjrj]

Hoping the US version comes with the 360 camera and power folding mirrors. Love that it has ventilated seats & heated steering wheel. Considering trading my ‘17 S3 for this.

[@danny2607]

Very nice refresh. Blows about the manual being dropped though. They probably didn’t want to bother upgrading it for the power increase. Great pricing! Cant go wrong with a hot hatch

[@shawnseeley9561]

It's ironic that the R button is the reason VW kept the touch capacitive steering wheel, because the touch capacitive steering wheel is the ONLY reason I haven't bought a Golf R.

[@cjsnylons]

I read your comment after posting mine. 100% same with me. I would 100% have this car along side my CTR, but those controls (HVAC and steering wheel) are true dangerous, distracting, and so unnecessary.

[@mabro59]

Take it from a 3 year Golf R owner. The controls are NO ISSUE, it just takes some getting used to. And I am so happy with the car that I have a Golf R 8.5 on order

[@Osideguy79]

Exactly

[@El-Hyena]

Given how many tire blowouts I've experienced in my 23 VW Arteon with 20" wheels, I would never in a million years consider a VW product that does not come with a spare tire.

[@michaeljordan6008]

Can you get full front power seats on the R? Passenger too? I plan on ordering a 2025 in March.

[@xiondFirst]

I actually stayed away from the 2024 Golf R even though i was close to buying it was because of infotainment screen. The one i test drove froze so i realized how dangerous it was and stayed away.

[@DaystromM52268]

Those taillights though 😮

[@loseerich493]

Bummer about the haptics remaining on the wheel of the flagship Golf. Also bummer about no 6-speed option any longer but we've known that for a while.

[@daze621]

People aren't just buying automatics. Manufactures are no longer offering them. There is maybe 10 cars still in production that offer a manual. Also, these newer generations don't know how to drive a manual. I'd take a manual transmission any day for a sport compact car.

[@rockerdriver]

Check the retail on the Civic Type R and top of the line trim of the GR Corolla.

[@Boostlagg]

Did chatgpt design the inteiror cause they didnt even bother trying to integrate the screen at all

[@Bobpaule]

No 6MT, no Golf for me. Will have to save for the 7MT 911 Carrera 4S if I ever return to smokers, 10 years in Teslas have pretty much cured that craving. I had the Bratislava built R32 almost two decades ago, since then I only drove 6MT AWD smokers.

[@robertderboss9471]

Do you know If there will be a Golf r Version with more horsepower than 333 in 2025 ?

[@Boostlagg]

Looks like euro spec. Are we getting the IQ lights?

[@krane15]

All VW offer LED IQ lights. There's also LED Matrics and optional HD LED Matrics. They are now approved for U.S. roads..

[@Boostlagg]

@@krane15 currently no VW in the US has IQ lights, even the new ID buzz comes with US spec led. No IQ.

[@SimonGonzalOS]

This Golf looks so handsome. I'd still get the GR Corolla but this still is boss

[@andyhedin4893]

Weird comment about the center armrest finally "opening up" when it literally has been openable for the past 6 years or so.

[@dangerousfox123]

Such a great car, always excited when I see one on the road.

[@GethinJames]

That IS the optional Akra titanium exhaust. I hope we get more color options... but doubtful... I'm torn between blue or white. Prob blue is best. Pricing I'm guessing 48k We won't see any of these in the US until prob March. I have a deposit down for one... patiently waiting. :)

[@DonsShed]

Do you still have to replace the Water Pump every 2-4 years? (or have they fixed that now?)

[@andrewshee5746]

Still have that shiny black plastic.

[@Jcrash1]

Wait so there’s a Euro Spec package? 4:25 ? Mentioned the titanium exhaust which is the akrapovic we are getting finally, but does that mean we need to delete the sunroof to get the exhaust? I sure hope not. I see the exhaust on this car with sunroof I hope it’s just an optional add on

[@porfiriato84]

Hasn't there always been? We don't get the clubsport like they do.

[@Jcrash1]

@@porfiriato84 he mentioned we are getting a euro package which gets the titanium exhaust, and removal of sunroof. We have never had the option to get the EU spec akrapovic in the USA. I want the exhaust but I also want my sunroof, I don’t want to get rid of it lol. That’s all I was saying.

[@GethinJames]

We shall see. Official specs have not been released. In the past you could only choose color. So I'd be surprised if there was a "euro spec" option. I'm hoping the US gets a fully loaded car with the upgraded exhaust AND sunroof. But if not you can always get an aftermarket exhaust like APR's which should be as refined as the Akra OEM option.

[@johnnymason2460]

328hp. I like that. This will be more expensive but will be a better alternative to the GR Corolla. The Golf R will have a turbo four which is much better for me than a turbo three(which I never ever want).

[@melanieblackwell8977]

It's actually 333hp. I think the 2024 was 328

[@andrelima5124]

That is LITERALLY the titanium akapovic exhaust !

[@FULLtiltSENDER]

Why is it slower that the previous gen. Mk 8 is listed at 0-60 4.1 seconds and this one is rated at 4.6? But it has more hp… am I missing something?

[@Programmer7]

Did you take a look at the 2025 ID.7 at this event? CarBuzz claims that it was US-spec with CCS combo 1 & amber reflectors, which was unexpected after VW paused bringing it to the US "indefinitely."

[@RaceCarFriends]

Sucks that they got rid of the manual gearbox ☹

[@drewstermalloy]

Crazy that they didn't get rid of the biggest complaint that people had about these cars just because of the R button.... 🙄

[@kevinc7632]

Prob already bought and paid for bunch of them

[@GLA45Amg716]

It’s coming with those exhaust pipes ?

[@AviationDirection]

Still no fix to the terrible buttons.

[@WaveManMike]

Have you ever actually tried the buttons yourself? It’s nearly impossible to accidentally press them like the reviewers say. It’s the result of people who already don’t know what they’re doing, only get a few minutes to learn something new.

[@larryhouse3776]

​@WaveManMike No, I had a 2023 for 4 months. Absolutely the worst interior I've ever tried living with. Alot of that interior touch stuff isn't even back lit in the dark. Like....

[@jordans5792]

@@WaveManMikemakes no sense if you’re actually driving lol

[@WaveManMike]

@@jordans5792 have you actually tried them? They are very easy to use especially when driving.

[@nkadimashiane]

The button have been made to be less sensitive, preventing accidental touch and all button and slides are backlit now.

[@yourmobilebarber8999]

????? the opening statement was a little confusing for the past 20+ years R in the name did not mean ultimate performance until a few years back and days of the R32. After R32 the R-line have been a body kit and not ultimate performance

[@AGC828]

Have you reviewed this car yet? If not wait she try to compare it to the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla with an 8-speed auto..vs civic Type R

[@individual1977]

The red Golf has a nice Alfa Romeo wheel design.

[@AnewMadrid]

Can't believe it has a hood prop.

[@aaronchase38]

Ive always have been a fan of the R. However im curious if VW's turmoil in Germany with layoffs plants closing ect would be worth considering before buying one.. I dont think vw will go out of business but still kinda sketchy?

[@Thincatchildless]

Reliability? I owned a few VW in my past and they spent a lot of time in the shop

[@LaszloGaspar-s3x]

Yeah they are junk

[@GethinJames]

The older ones were much worst. My bet is they've refined it over the years and it's much more reliably. My Mk4 was CONSTANTLY in the shop.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Surprised VW still sells cars in America nowadays.

[@powerofpinesol8002]

Modern Volkswagen’s and Audis are decently reliable as long as you follow the maintenance.

[@wattage_in_Penfield]

I loved my 2016 GTI when it was running, which was most of the time. But - the adaptive headlights stopped working 3 months after the warranty ran out - 1300 for the light plus labor to install, the sunroof leaked and they never found the fix for that, the thermostat leaked and had to be replaced - not covered under warranty so 400 for the part and 1600 for the labor (something along those lines, those might not be the exact numbers), and the list goes on and on. So if you are OK with that or if you can do the labor yourself which is much beyond basic maintenance, then go ahead and buy one and have one of the greatest driving experiences you will ever have!

[@vandrosia]

This is faster than an Integra Type S but is it more fun to drive than the ITS?

[@lukew6725]

Why have car brands completely given up on trying to actually integrate the center display into the design of the car? Every interior these days just looks like they designed it without a center display and then just plopped one on top after the fact.

[@ajcap]

So is this the official NA 8.5 release?

[@latte1648]

Gloss black on the interior is so annoying. Otherwise it's a great car for the price

[@jform8147]

Are those seats available in the US?

[@andyhedin4893]

No official word from VW USA (yet), but I honestly wouldn't count on it. Most folks in the U.S. expect leather seats at a $50k vehicle price. UPDATE: I was wrong, cloth seats available as part of a "Euro Style" package along with sunroof-delete, the Akrapovic Ti exhaust, and forged wheels.

[@darknessislight3689]

It needs a VR6 💙 😊

[@Benjammin43]

that screen looks so out of place

[@mikeshafer]

Wait it’s internal combustion? How quaint.

[@haze1123]

No manual, no volume knob, no HVAC knobs, no steering wheel buttons. VW is doing a great job removing all the things. What will disappear next?

[@juantercero8922]

Is it a Euro spec model?

[@fady263]

The exhaust on this car is titanium 5:11

[@Wooden_Hammer]

That screen is horrendous

[@PacoGrande76]

I own a Reflex Silver MK7 Golf R in Canada. I really didn't like what they did with the styling on the MK8, inside and out. The new R badge is much worse in my opinion and they should have left it alone. I also can't believe they switched to a prop rod for the hood and removed the R badge from the engine cover. But my biggest complaint is the lack of colour choices on the R. Silver is obviously my favourite but how can they not offer red like the GTI? For me the only colour option available now is blue because I'm not a fan of white or black. And the white is a flat white and not even pearl or metallic. Anyway, having said all that I am more impressed with the facelift on the 2025 refresh and I think it is definitely improved. Those new wheels are amazing as well. My car is 8 years old now so I'm definitely thinking about getting a MK8.5 eventually. And for those manual transmission fans, I drove a manual for many years but my Golf R has the DSG and it is very good and I don't miss the manual at all. But I prefer to shift myself with the paddles because I'm not a fan of the VW transmission software. Regular D mode shifts too early and S mode wants to redline all the time. Hopefully the MK8 addressed that with a medium setting. I'm also excited for the memory seat option because my MK7 does not have that and I share the car with my wife who is 8" shorter than I am. I'm anxious to see exactly what options we are getting for North America and hopefully the price doesn't go up too much.

[@Azrael8]

the capacitive touch controls are the biggest reason why I write this car off.

[@dantheman359]

That is the titanium exhaust unless they are changing them for USA

[@Fireandraged]

unlikely the US will be getting all those features.. don't expect the revised tail lights or the 360 cam. the new audi a3 doesn't even offer a 360 cam in the US for whatever reason

[@abroham5511]

Beautiful but just get the Audi S3 for the price

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

I still prefer the exterior and interior of the Mk 7.5 Golf R. That 7.5 Golf R is honestly the most beautiful to me at least and the buttons in that generation is much preferred.

[@faheemabbas3965]

Looks like VW should just cancel the Golf lineup altogether in the US. They’re never gonna go back to something like that unfortunately.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

@ yeah sadly but I hear a good amount of people still buy the Golf in NA

[@PacoGrande76]

@@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan I assume you mean the GTI and R because the regular Golf was discontinued years ago. And it sold very well here in Canada and is missed by a lot of people.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

@@PacoGrande76 oh never knew that tbh ….. but if they’re still buying the GTI and R models then that’s good. I see a lot of those actually

[@muskistutter]

💯 it was the height of exterior and interior design.

[@johnnymartin4688]

We know the kind of people that would LOVE driving this car, and you don’t give them real climate buttons or a manual transmission? Why do these companies not want to sell more cars 🙄

[@omarsaidy8838]

Hey Mann, you didn’t mention the sound system. Does it come with the Fender, or B&O?

[@krane15]

Harmon Kardon the last time I checked. Their Fender contract expired and VW never had one with B&O. Unfortunate, and audiophile sound system is not offered. Their premium Harmon Kardon is as good as it gets.

[@Frxzen647]

When it’s coming to Canada the black edition

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

Bring back the VR6, VW AG. Thanks.

[@brodiwheeler7583]

Or put the 5-cyl. From the RS3…

[@karacha]

Love it. Just a great car; fun to drive, small but practical... what's not to like here?

[@rsenior7140]

lack of a manual. That's what.

[@bpcenewdelhi5655]

Why not fogg lights?....all sports models now dosen t have fogg lights....i don t get it why?....it looks better and also helps a lot during fogg nd nights....sports vehicule dosen t run when is foggie outside?....really strange this decission for all manufacturers, not only VW

[@x7wolverines7x]

They better not lock out the ecu on these lol

[@ajhowell1948]

25 GLI is apparently a nightmare with that... have to imagine the R will be the same.

[@andi8489]

i prefer the cupra version of this, the formentor VZ especially, in extreme trim

[@FeN1xDD]

why formentor? Golf R is Cart, Formentor is an SUV.

[@rtep27]

the 2025 models have better palm rejection on the steering wheel

[@LipockRahman]

Instead of that screen they should’ve put a TV. I hate that big screen. They should’ve kept the 10” screen and put physical button. Love the exterior but hate the interior.

[@jbarnes1108]

Here to check if they fixed the steering wheel… lol

[@krane15]

If you mean physical buttons, then no.

[@YAKUZA_ILX]

No black edition 😢

[@cjsnylons]

Overall this is a great car. BUT they have to stop with the touch capacitive crap. I would genuinely consider adding this car to my garage, but those controls are horrible. I want to have this along side my CTR, but I can't get over those controls. In fact, I just bought a new Tiguan and specifically went with the Wolfsburg edition for the manual HVAC controls and steering wheel controls. IF the R-Line had those controls I would have bought the top-level trim. You can't use any of these controls in the winter with gloves and they are a pain when you touch the steering wheel and change something you never meant to change.

[@brianjurko9085]

Boooo hisssss no manual no money…Type S Integra for me (yes I’m willing to pay more for the HOT looks and manual of the Integra Type S) It’s not about 0-60 times for me it’s about engagement. If 0-60 is what matters most to u all the power to you. Golf R is a great car never the less

[@JFomo]

The Golf has had the same shape for the last 20 years. They all look the same to me.

[@krane15]

Just like Apple computers? Psst, that's by design. It means you car retains its value.

[@MayerMTB]

​@@krane15VW retaining value? Haha. Your funny.

[@CTF33]

That's why it remains a boring looking POS

[@fale892]

​@@krane15yeah. Low value 😂

[@oemj7147]

@@MayerMTB The R has stellar resale value.

[@avina95]

No fog lights?! Cmon, my mk4 gti vr6 came with fog lights

[@orphngv]

No Manual ?!?! What a shame

[@peteyification]

Get 'em while you can! There are still 2024 380s on dealer lots. As an owner of one myself, I highly recommend it.

[@krane15]

Despite reviewer opinion, nobody buys manuals anymore.

[@faheemabbas3965]

They discontinued the manual because of Euro emissions regulations. Same for the GTI.

[@orphngv]

@@peteyification I own a 2011 gti stick with 160k miles . It still feels like new to me .. I’m gonna hold onto it for another 20 years .

[@xtraspace6190]

Stick shift is slow

[@cavavision5547]

The steep price, and no 3 doors option, are complete deal breakers for me.

[@dwoodcoffeeco]

No manual. Sadness.

[@siblej1]

That looks like the Akrapovic to me

[@Mushroomancer]

Offered in only blue, black and white…way to cater to boring people, I do not understand why VW refuses to make any fun decisions

[@CTF33]

BORING is VW's hallmark, it's what they do.

[@AlexIsUber]

Need Akrapovic exhaust option

[@GOD999MODE]

Fun car to drive but not nearly worth $50k. Like $38k max.

[@frankcastle1578]

It’s German car , basically entry level premium, top of their golf line with pretty great performance. Also there’s this thing called inflation happening. It’s appropriately priced.

[@diydrivenGA]

@@frankcastle1578 Been priced at that before inflation/greedflation hit. It'll sell but not enough to offset the losses in every other category they are hurting on so maybe the price should be lowered to $40K to move these.

[@GOD999MODE]

@@frankcastle1578 I love when people casually throw around "inflation" as if it's a reason in/of itself. Inflation literally means an increase in prices. It doesn't explain what economic factors are leading to/causing those price increases. Greedy corporations setting unrealistic price targets could be playing a huge factor. Just because your manufacturing workforce asks for a 5-10% increase in wages doesn't justify a 20-30% price increase across the board. It's also always surprising to me that people in the comments advocate for the car companies charging exorbitant prices. Like do you guys want to pay more than what something is worth?

[@dnice362]

This isn’t a civic type r this is a AWD golf r

[@dnice362]

Or 40k max and the civic 35k you wanna talk about an overpriced cause then look no further than the fwd civic

[@trekvdm]

Interior is still such a fail. I cant do it :(

[@loki_wolff]

I think the GTI looks better and has actual buttons on the steering wheel.

[@krane15]

Which is why they sell both.

[@waitingforcivictyper]

The GTI wheels looks nicer lol